OTA Wrap

Back from vacation and we’re obviously behind, nevertheless here’s a look back on the offseason practives.

Nothing is supposed to happen in OTA’s, but this year, the 49ers off-season practices were significant. Particularly that one in May when wide receiver Dominique Zeigler tangled with veteran cornerback Walt Harris. The resulting torn anterior cruciate knee ligament for Harris will likely end his season maybe even his career (he turns 35 on Aug. 10th).

It forced the 49ers to sign a Dre Bly, a cocky, gambling type of player who might be just what the 49ers need at right cornerback. It sets up possibly a more intriguing battle for the starter’s role come training camp between Bly and Tarell Brown, who seems to be a younger version of Bly himself. Brown also likes taking chances and he can match Bly with his abundant confidence.

The other development was the development of Alex Smith. Early in the practices, Shaun Hill, even though he’s not known as a practice player, was getting the ball off quickly and fairly accurately. Meanwhile, everything about Smith’s body language indicated in flashing red lights: I JUST WANT TO BE THE BACK UP.

But Smith emerged during the team’s final minicamp and finished OTA’s strong enough to get labeled “All-Tasman.” That’s the street the runs along Centennial where the team facility sits. Former coach Steve Mariucci came up with the name somewhat mockingly to calm those who got a little over eager about players who excel running around in shorts and helmets.

Nevertheless, Smith’s rebound was significant because he easily could have faded and made the decision on the starter relatively easy on new offensive coordinator Jimmy Raye. But instead Smith threw the ball with stunning accuracy and led the team to touchdowns and field goals in red zone drills while Hill floundered.

So the competition is on in training camp and likely won’t be settled until both quarterbacks perform in exhibitions. It also brings up a quandary. Hill can look awful at times. He did so a year ago, and he did in training camp. But he’s an undeniable gamer with his 7-3 record as a starter, multiple fourth-quarter comebacks and impressive 90.7 passer rating in those starts.

But throughout his eight seasons in the league, Hill’s started each season on the bench, which has allowed him extra time to learn the offense. Last year, offensive coordinator Mike Martz admitted he was startled Hill had progressed so quickly in the offense after Mike Singletary forced Martz to bench his struggling favorite, J.T. O’Sullivan.

Even when Hill was winning games for the team last year, he would often struggle mightily in Wednesday’s practice and then pull things together in Friday’s session. It leaves the 49ers coaching staff with a tricky decision if Smith continues to be the better quarterback when training camp opens.